On Sunday, 11 August 2024, the aviation world witnessed a retirement flight of an aircraft that has been so instrumental in keeping people and property safe, particularly in Western Canada. It was a final sendoff for the Hawaii Martin Mars, the only remaining flying Martin Mars aircraft in the world.
The Last Flight of Hawaii Martin Mars
This wasn’t any retirement flight though, Hawaii Martin Mars was sent off to retirement in style with an escort by the Snowbirds. That’s right, the Canadian demo team escorted the venerable aircraft to its final retirement home at the B.C. Aviation Museum.
Hawaii Martin Mars flew its last flight from Port Alberni to Patricia Bay. Patricia Bay is located near Victoria International Airport.
What Made Hawaii Martin Mars So Special
Martin Mars was an aircraft designed by Martin Company back in World War II. It flew missions for the Navy with the goal of using it as a patrol bomber. By time it was ready for service, the mission was obsolete. The Navy used it for a short period as a cargo aircraft before retiring the fleet.
If the story ended there, the only notable factors would be that the aircraft was large and it was sea based. Like some veterans, the Mars’ true calling came after its military service.
In 1959, Forest Industries Flying Tankers (FIFT) bought four of the seaplanes and converted them to tanker duties in Canada. The Mars was perfectly suited for the role. It had the capability of landing on bodies of water and scooping up 7,200 gallons (27k liters) in just over 20 seconds.
The fleet of Mars aircraft saved the day numerous times, particularly in the dense and isolated forrest fires that affected Canada. Hawaii Martin Mars was transferred to Coulson in 2007. It flew its last mission in 2013. By then Coulson had incorporated a fleet of Boeing 737s, CH-47s, and C-130s to fight fires with more modern tactics.
Preparing For One Final Flight
Hawaii Martin Mars flew fire suppression missions for 47 years. But the rarity of the fleet and the required maintenance for a 75+ year old aircraft took its toll. It also meant that more modern aircraft had the ability to turn quicker with less maintenance and required upkeep. In 2013, the Canadian government did not extend a contract to Coulson for the Martin Mars. It was the end of its flying career.
The aircraft last flew in 2016 when it flew over Oshkosh. It then sat idle for 8 years. But over the past few months, a maintenance team brought Hawaii Martin Mars back to life. Then over the past two weeks, the aircraft conducted an engine run, water taxi tests, and then test flights in preparation for its final flight. The B.C. Aviation Museum put together a great video highlighting its preparation. You can see it below.
Last Sunday, the old Hawaii Martin Mars flew one last flight to her resting place. All 10,000 lbs of horsepower serenaded the skies of the Pacific Northwest as the Snowbirds flew in formation to send her off. The aircraft will become the centerpiece of the collection at the B.C. Aviation Museum. An exhibit will be ready next year.
